By Jordan G. Habbiling
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Benjamin Magalong signed the ordinance granting a monthly cash subsidy of P1,000.00 to qualified solo parents in Baguio City earning minimum wage or below.
The ordinance was signed by last August 28, 2025, after the Baguio City Council has approved Ordinance 63-2025.
This measure aims to ease the financial burden of single parents and strengthen the city’s support for solo-parent families in line with the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act (RA 11861).
Under the newly approved measure, eligible solo parents will receive a P1,000.00 monthly cash subsidy to be released quarterly through the payroll system.
The program will be implemented by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) which will also oversee the screening, validation, and monitoring of beneficiaries.
To qualify, a solo parent must possess a valid Solo Parent Identification Card (SPIC), earn minimum wage or below, be listed in the CSWDO’s Solo Parent Database as “eligible” or tagged under “Benefit Qualification Code A & AB,” and must not be a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) or any other government cash assistance. Solo parents who are senior citizens or persons with disabilities may still receive their respective benefits without forfeiting this subsidy.
In cases where available funds are insufficient, the CSWDO will prioritize beneficiaries using a point-based system that considers factors such as the number and age of dependents, income level, employment status, health condition, living arrangement, and whether the solo parent is the sole provider of the family. Those who garner higher points will be given priority in receiving the subsidy.
For the initial release of funds, solo parents must submit a copy of their SPIC, a barangay certificate of residency, and a certificate of attendance from a Solo Parent Orientation. For succeeding payouts, only the valid SPIC is required.
The CSWDO will conduct thorough assessment and validation of applicants within seven working days of submission and will prepare the final list of eligible beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries who cannot personally claim their subsidy due to health reasons may authorize a representative provided that proper documentation such as valid IDs, an authorization letter, and a medical or barangay certificate is presented. In the event of a beneficiary’s death, marriage, or change in status, the payout will be adjusted based on the number of days the beneficiary remained eligible.
Funding for the program will come from the annual appropriations of the CSWDO to ensure the sustainability of the city’s assistance to solo parents.
